Foreign Affairs
The Democratic Government has
made concerted efforts to forge national consensus on all matters of importance.
No policy can succeed or sustain if it does not enjoy public support. In this
context, it is a matter of pride that the government has introduced the concept
of parliamentary oversight and democratic accountability of the foreign policy.
Stability and peace at home
and in the neighbourhood is critical for enabling our people to realize their
aspirations for progress and sound economic development. It is imperative that
acrimony and mistrust, a legacy of the past, is replaced by a spirit of trust
and cooperation.
Pakistan has contributed significantly to the establishment of peace and
security in the region and the world and has fought war on terror at great human
and economic costs. Our innocent people and brave soldiers of the Armed Forces
and Security Forces personnel have shed blood in eliminating the curse of
extremism and intolerance.
Pakistan is firmly committed to durable peace and stability in Afghanistan as it
is in our own national interest. The Government fully supports an Afghan-led and
Afghan-owned inclusive process of peace and reconciliation. Only intra-Afghan
consensus can best guarantee lasting peace in Afghanistan.
Pakistan and China enjoy all-weather and time-tested relations. It is a unique
relationship. It would be our earnest desire and consistent effort to take our
special relationship to new heights in all spheres.
Pakistan-United States relations are multi-dimensional. It is an important
bilateral relationship. The Government would like to see this relationship
evolve on the basis of mutual respect and mutual trust. Once the Joint Session
of the Parliament finalizes its recommendations, the Government would re-engage
the United States within the parameters determined by the Parliament.
Our relations with the European Union have expanded and deepened since the
restoration of democracy. The Summit-level engagement, establishment of a
Strategic Dialogue and the 5-year Engagement Plan will further strengthen these
bonds. The European Union initiative is commendable to give tariff concessions
and commitment to provide GSP-Plus facility after meeting the necessary
criteria.
Pakistan attaches importance to its relations with the Russian Federation.
During the tenure of the present Government, this relationship has been further
expanded and deepened.
Pakistan’s bonds with the countries of Central Asia are rooted in history,
religion, culture and shared values. As regional partners, our ties with the
Central Asian countries are broad-based and multi-faceted.
Pakistan enjoys close and fraternal relations with all brotherly Islamic
countries. These relations are rooted in history and traditions. It would be the
priority of our Government to impart a new dynamism to our bilateral relations
with the Islamic world.
The People’s government is
also committed to deepen our engagement with East Asia, Africa and Latin America
by enhancing our trade and economic linkages.
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